Born in Mont-Laurier, QC, but moved with his family at a young age to Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where his father worked as a logger. His brother Sylvain also played briefly in the NHL. Bilingual, having grown up in both French and English communities. He had the size and skills necessary for a top goaltender in the NHL. Very competitive. When he came out of juniors, his combative, fiery style reminded people of a young Ron Hextall.Cloutier himself said that he patterned much of his butterfly style after Patrick Roy.
Won the 1993 Memorial Cup, and the 1995 WJC gold medal. In the NHL he was seen as an underachiever. Had a tendency to lose focus during games. Did not like a strong presence in front of his crease.
Played his last hockey game (AHL) on December 13, 2009. Chronic injuries made him retire. Following his retirement, he became a goaltending coach for the Barrie Colts of the OHL.
NHL totals: 351 games and 2.77 GAA.
PH